food scene affordable dining

Leeds is a city where you can eat out for under £10 at various eateries, including Rola Wala, Thai Aroy Dee, Dough Boys, Senbon Sakura, Mommy Thai, Cult Wing, Little Bao Boy, Manjit’s Kitchen, Bundobust, and Mr Su’s Noodles. With options ranging from Indian and Thai cuisine to pizza and Japanese dishes, there is something to satisfy every palate without breaking the bank.

Where can you eat out for under £10 in Leeds?

Leeds boasts a variety of eateries offering meals for under £10. Options include:

  • Rola Wala: Flavorful Indian fillings in naan or rice bowls (£5.95 – £6.45).
  • Thai Aroy Dee: Lunch specials with a starter and main (£8.95).
  • Dough Boys: Inventive pizza slices (up to £4.10).
  • Senbon Sakura: Japanese dishes like katsu curry (£8.60).
  • Mommy Thai: Authentic Thai street food with lunch deals under £10.
  • Cult Wing: Hearty wings and sauces (from £6.45).
  • Little Bao Boy: Stuffed bao buns and sides within budget.
  • Manjit’s Kitchen: Vegetarian Punjabi wraps and curries (from £7).
  • Bundobust: Indian snacks below £10, with a Lunch Express menu (£9.95).
  • Mr Su’s Noodles: Various noodle dishes guaranteeing change from a tenner.

Leeds, a city celebrated for its vibrant food scene, offers a delightful array of culinary gems where one can indulge in delicious meals without the worry of overspending. The ethos here is straightforward: great food need not be an extravagance. From sizzling pizzas to aromatic curries, the city’s food establishments proudly serve up delectable dishes that promise to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your finances in check. Here’s a curated list of places where you can enjoy a hearty meal for less than £10.

An Abundance of Flavours at Rola Wala

Within the bustling confines of Trinity Kitchen, Rola Wala stands out as a beacon for those in pursuit of bold flavors without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or a meat enthusiast, Rola Wala’s menu brims with options. Begin by selecting a base – naan roll, rice bowl, or a low-carb cauliflower rice bowl are all on the table. Next, dive into a variety of fillings: “Nagaland lamb or chicken tikka, red channa dal, Keralan cauliflower or Goan roast pork.” With prices ranging between £5.95 to £6.45, your wallet remains as content as your palate. The affordability extends beyond the mains, leaving room for a refreshing drink or perhaps, a sweet treat like a chocolate chip cookie to round off your meal.

  • Location: Rola Wala, Trinity Kitchen, 27 Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.

Thai Aroy Dee – A Lunchtime Delight

A jewel in Leeds’ culinary crown, Thai Aroy Dee is renowned for its exceptional lunch deal, lauded by many as the city’s finest. Between 12pm and 5pm, a mere £8.95 avails you a starter, a main course and a choice between jasmine rice and chips. Choices abound, from “marinated mushroom skewers or spicy spare ribs to start and a gaeng massaman or a pad Thai for main.” The value extends beyond the lunchtime hours, with a diverse menu that includes salads vibrant with fresh veggies and hearty dishes such as the Weeping Tiger, all priced under £9.95.

  • Location: Thai Aroy Dee, 120-122 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.

Dough Boys – Pizza Perfected

Craving pizza? Look no further than Dough Boys, the revered purveyor of pizza-by-the-slice in Leeds. Their slices, priced at a maximum of £4.10, are not only friendly on the pocket but also adventurous in taste. The pizzeria is known for “putting modern twists on classics,” such as their Salami of Darkness, or catering to vegetarians with the Queen Brie and Silvio the Margherita. Vegan options are also available, ensuring no one misses out. The self-serve station with garlic oil, parmesan, and hot sauce allows for further personalization – all without additional cost.

  • Location: Dough Boys, Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.

Senbon Sakura – Japanese Cuisine with a Heart

For those with a fondness for Japanese cuisine, Senbon Sakura promises an authentic experience without demanding a lavish spend. A mere tenner is enough to enjoy a “cracking wok-fried rice dish,” such as the Senbon Sakura Special that amalgamates chicken, beef, and king prawn in a flavorful ensemble. A pumpkin katsu curry, priced at £8.60, serves as a testament to the establishment’s generous portion sizes, promising a satisfying meal complete with crunchy breaded pumpkin and aromatic rice. Sushi aficionados can relish a selection of nigiri and maki, all for an agreeable £7.70.

  • Location: Senbon Sakura, 71 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BR.

Mommy Thai – Bangkok Street Food at Your Doorstep

Mommy Thai channels the spirit of Bangkok into the streets of Leeds, serving up street food that strikes a chord with authenticity and affordability. Utilizing original family recipes, the dishes, be they “noodles or Thai curries of all colours and types,” are a visual and gustatory feast. Lunchtime brings an added incentive with starters included in sub-£10 meals. Choices range from the mouth-watering chicken curry with jasmine rice to tofu pan-fried noodles, all garnished with the likes of corn cakes and satay skewers.

  • Locations: Mommy Thai, 7 Duncan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DQ & Little Mommy Thai, 110 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.

Cult Wing – A Chicken Lover’s Haven

Cult Wing in Merrion Centre is a mecca for poultry enthusiasts. Here, indulgence in wings, beer, and tequila can be had without splurging. “Their Cult XL wings will see you part with £6.45 for three or £9.45 for six,” ensuring a satisfying meal under £10. Vegetarians are not left behind, with the Cauli Punk wings available in two sizes. Once you’ve chosen your main attraction, a plethora of sauces from buffalo to habanero awaits to drench your selection in flavorful zest.

  • Location: Cult Wing, Merrion Centre, 19 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.

Little Bao Boy – Big on Taste, Low on Price

Little Bao Boy has swiftly ascended the ranks to become a leading contender for affordable yet scrumptious eats in Leeds. Their bao buns, brimming with fillings like “braised beef or deep-fried salt and pepper aubergine,” are a testament to their culinary ingenuity. With a budget of £10, a duo of these delicacies can be savored, leaving a little extra for sides such as gyoza, loaded fries, or a comforting bowl of noodle soup.

  • Locations: Little Bao Boy, North Brewing Co. Tap Room, 3 Sovereign Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BA & Springwell, Buslingthorpe Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2DF.

Manjit’s Kitchen – Vegetarian Punjabi Delights

Stepping into Manjit’s Kitchen is akin to uncovering a treasure trove of vegetarian Punjabi street food. With both locations in Leeds, the menu is a colorful mosaic of curries and wraps. For a mere £7.50, the “chilli paneer wrap” awaits, or perhaps a curry under £7 to be paired with cumin rice. For those seeking variety, the thali offers a harmonious medley of their specialties, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal without exceeding the £10 limit.

  • Locations: Manjit’s Kitchen, 333 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HD & Leeds Kirkgate Market, George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.

Bundobust – A Cornucopia of Indian Cuisine

Bundobust is not only synonymous with some of the best Indian cuisine in Leeds, but it also epitomizes affordability. Each item on the menu is “priced below £10,” ranging from the humble smacked khakri to the sumptuous paneer kadai. An additional incentive comes in the form of their Lunch Express menu, available from Monday to Friday, noon to 4pm, which entitles diners to two selected dishes for £9.95.

  • Location: Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Mr Su’s Noodles – A Symphony of Flavours

Last but certainly not least, Mr Su’s Noodles introduces food lovers to a palate-pleasing experience infused with the proprietor’s 25-year expertise. Every item on the menu guarantees you will receive change from a £10 note. Whether your preference lies with “rice, soup or hotpot noodles,” the result is a delectable concoction of aromatic ingredients and perfectly cooked noodles. The variety caters to all preferences, from chicken to seafood, all destined to delight.

  • Location: Mr Su’s Noodles and Dumplings, 24 Black, Blenheim Ter, Woodhouse, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9HD.

Leeds continues to uphold its reputation as a nexus of affordable and delicious dining options. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a casual dinner, the city’s eateries offer a wealth of choices that don’t skimp on taste or quality, regardless of one’s budget. These establishments prove that economic dining can still be rich in flavour and satisfaction, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the diverse culinary landscape that Leeds has to offer.

By george